If you are an eligible charitable or religious organization, you may be able to raise funds through provincially or municipally licensed lottery events. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) administers the lottery licensing program in the province and municipalities and the AGCO are responsible for issuing licences to eligible organizations.

Licensees and applicants are advised to read the first three chapters of AGCO’s Lottery Licencing Policy Manual as well as the chapter related to the lottery type they intend to conduct. They should also read the Lottery Licence Terms and Conditions, the terms and conditions for their lottery type and any additional documents that may relate to their lottery type. It’s important to note that they will be beholden to these conditions for all events conducted under the licence, and compliance is mandatory.

The Town of Prescott can provide eligible charities and not-for-profit organizations with lottery licences for the following types of lotteries:

• Bazaar
• Bingo events with a prize board up to $5,500
• Break Open Tickets
• Raffles/50/50 with prizes up to $50,000

Organizations must submit a lottery licence application at least 30 days prior to the event. All organizations are responsible for the yearly update of files (Board of Directors, budget, financial statements). Mock-up of the raffle ticket must be attached to ALL applications.

The market retail value of the prizes(s) to be awarded shall not be less than 20% of the anticipated gross proceeds from the sale of the tickets. This is calculated on the total number of tickets expected to be sold multiplied by the price per ticket as approved on the license application.

Please note that should your organization potentially have a prize of $50,000 or more, you will be required to contact AGCO in order to obtain a lottery licence.

It is illegal to print tickets, promote or conduct a charitable gaming event without a lottery licence.

An incomplete or late applications may result in the cancellation of your charitable gaming event.

Any unlawful action during a lottery event may result in additional applications to be declined.

From time to time, organizations may be required to postpone an event. Organizations must submit an extension request by writing to the Clerk’s Office at least 14 days prior to the expiry of the lottery licence. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the Clerk.

The fee for a lottery licence is 3% of the total prize value under the licence.

For application forms or for more information on lottery licences, please visit the AGCO’s website or contact the Town of Prescott at 613-925-2812 Ext. 6209.